The origins of the Coffind surname lie with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name Coffind began when someone in that family worked as a person who made baskets. The surname Coffind is derived from the Old French words cofin and coffin, which in turn come from the Late Latin word cophinus, which means basket.Occupational names such as this one frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames. The English word coffin is a specialized development of this word which did not exist before the 16th century. The surname Coffind may also be a nickname derived from the Latin word calvus, which means bald.

Early Origins of the Coffind family

The surname Coffind was first found in Devon at Alwington, a parish, in the union of Bideford, hundred of Shebbear, Great Torrington. "In the church [of Alwington], over the door of the chancel, is a curious ancient monument to a member of the Coffin family." [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.

Early History of the Coffind family

Early History of the Coffind family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Coffind research.Another 139 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Coffind History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Coffind Spelling Variations

Coffind Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Coffind has appeared include Coffin, Coffyn, Colvin, Caffin, Caffyn, Chafen, Chaffine and many more.

Early Notables of the Coffind family (pre 1700)

Early Notables of the Coffind family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Coffind Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Coffind family to the New World and Oceana

Migration of the Coffind family to the New World and Oceana

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Coffind arrived in North America very early: Francis Coffin who settled in Virginia in 1635.

The Coffind Motto

The Coffind Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.